The search for World War Two Spitfires will resume at a site in Burma after winning new backing

An exhaustive 16-year quest to find dozens of World War II Spitfire planes buried in Burma is set to resume after winning major new funding.

David Cundall, the man behind the mission, will return to Burma to continue his excavations, backed by the Global Logistics company Claridon.

“I am extremely grateful to Claridon for saving the project and providing the funding for it to continue,” he said, having abandoned a high-profile attemptto make his potentially spectacular finds in February.

“Without their support, I wouldn't be heading back to Burma to finish the work I started all those years ago. The Spitfires could not be in better hands when they are eventually shipped back to the UK.”

Chris Scott, the Managing Director of the group, said Cundall’s “deep-rooted passion” for “preserving part of our history and heritage” had persuaded the Essex-based company, which has an office in Burma, to support him.

“After meeting David and listening to how he has devoted a large part of his life - as well as his life savings - trying to find these iconic aircraft which played such a pivotal role in World War II, we just had to get involved.

“David's ‘never give up attitude’, along with his incredible drive, deserves to be applauded and supported throughout the country.

“We will be supporting David every step of the way and look forward to bringing the Spitfires back home for him.”

Although there is much scepticism from within the archaeological community, Cundall remains convinced that up to 124 Spitfires will be found, and says a planned five-year restoration effort will create 400 jobs, allowing museums to eventually display the aircraft.

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